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Cold-weather shelter to open after Medford declares severe weather event By Mail Tribune staff Updated: Dec 23, 2021 12:35 PM A A Volunteers are wanted to help operate the shelter ACCESS will open an emergency severe-weather shelter at the Navigation Center, 685 Market St., Medford, from Saturday through Monday, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. The shelter was authorized after acting Medford City Manager Kelly Madding declared a severe weather event for Dec. 25-27. Services, provided by ACCESS, include food, bedding and dry storage capabilities. “Severe weather is expected through the weekend and well into next week. We are closely monitoring conditions and working with ACCESS to try to secure volunteers to keep the shelter open during severe weather conditions,” according to an announcement sent out by the city Thursday morning. Volunteers are needed to help staff the shelter during the upcoming days. Volunteer shifts are four hours long and include handing out meals, blankets, water and supporting operations. If you can help or have questions, email [email protected] or call 458-488-1242. The city also announced that communication efforts have been expanded to include signs posted along the Bear Creek Greenway with shelter days and times. Multiple communication channels are used by the city, ACCESS and local organizations in an effort to provide information about the shelter and reach as many people as possible. Methods include text notifications, website alerts and social media posts. Throughout the duration of this declaration, the city will not be enforcing tent restrictions associated with the prohibited camping ordinance. All fires remain prohibited throughout the city, however. Text MED4SHELTERS to 888777 to receive the latest on severe weather event shelters in Medford. Email Matt Rogers, ACCESS peer support and outreach supervisor, at [email protected] for more information about the shelter and available services.